Reuters: World prepares for coronavirus pandemic; global recession forecast
GENEVA/BEIJING (Reuters) - Hopes the coronavirus would be contained to China vanished on Friday as infections spread rapidly around the world, countries started stockpiling medical equipment and investors took flight in expectation of a global recession.
Share prices were on track for the worst week since the global financial crisis in 2008 as virus-related disruptions to international travel and supply chains fueled fears of recession in the United States and the Euro zone.
The U.S. stock market fell into correction territory with the benchmark S&P 500 index down more than 4% on Thursday, extending a market rout that has now sliced more than 10% off of its closing peak on Feb. 19.
“Markets are voting and saying they think the U.S. is on its way to recession,” said Chris Rupkey, chief economist at MUFG in New York.
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MIDDLE EAST
Turkish army retaliates against 'all known' Syrian government targets.
Attack in Syria's Idlib killed 33 Turkish soldiers: Hatay governor.
Battle rages over strategic Syrian town of Saraqeb as humanitarian catastrophe unfolds.
Syrian humanitarian catastrophe unfolds as fighting rages between Turkey, Syria and Russia.
Senior Hezbollah official killed in Israeli strike in Syria, reports say.
Saudi Arabia halts travel to Mecca, Medina over coronavirus. Amid virus, Saudis close Islam’s holiest sites to foreigners.
Iraq parliament postpones confidence vote over quorum.
Lebanon economy: Gov't works towards emergency financial plan.
U.S. lifts sanctions against Israeli general over South Sudan arms.
Days before poll, Israel approves nearly 1,800 new settler homes: ministry.
ASIA
New coronavirus cases in mainland China fall to lowest since January.
South Korea reports 256 new coronavirus cases, total 2,022: KCDC.
Some discharged coronavirus patients in China test positive for second time: report.
Afghan delegation to meet Taliban in Doha: government.
Uncertainty looms ahead of US-Taliban deal signing.
Cheney, House Republicans express 'serious concerns' with US-Taliban deal.
U.S., South Korea diplomats discussed North Korea, report says.
Malaysia's Mahathir says parliament will pick new PM.
AFRICA
N: Rival Libyan politicians meet for peace talks in Geneva.
World Bank restores relations with Somalia.
AU to deploy troops to fight Sahel militants. African Union to deploy 3,000 troops in restive Sahel region.
Rocket fire hits Libyan capital's airport.
South Sudan struggles to unite armed forces under peace deal.
Congo latest victim of locust swarms: experts.
Tunisian parliament gives vote of confidence to coalition government.
G.Bissau candidate swears himself in as president despite vote row.
All you need to know about Guinea's contested polls.
Malawi legalises growing of cannabis.
EUROPE
Virus outbreak spreads in France with 20 new cases.
Italy blasts virus panic as it eyes new testing criteria.
Cancelled events and falling markets as Europe confronts Covid-19.
Russia announces date for referendum that could extend Putin's rule.
Britain says it could walk away from EU talks this summer.
UK to withdraw from European arrest warrant.
World's largest wealth fund, in Norway, earned 'historic' returns in 2019.
Greek islanders assail riot police in protests over migrant camps. Greek protests: Dozens hurt as island clashes intensify.
Zelensky’s approval rating nosediving, poll indicates.
AMERICAS
With first case, Latin America prepares for COVID-19 virus.
Sanders rips Pence: His last response to an epidemic was to 'pray' it away.
Bloomberg releases new heart health information and calls on Sanders to do the same.
Poll: Americans' satisfaction with U.S. world standing at 17-year high.
US economy grew 2.3% in 2019, durable goods solid in January.
Dominican Republic turns back cruise ship amid virus fears.
Protest-hit Chile ponders rewriting Pinochet's constitution.
2019 saw violent crackdown on protesters across Americas: Amnesty.
Gunman kills 5 at Milwaukee brewery before taking own life.
Canada to hold talks with indigenous group in bid to end blockades.
Canada to stop paying Harry and Meghan's security.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
AP Interview: Al-Qaida, IS affiliates team up in West Africa.
Trump administration blacklists Iraqi militia leader.
US warns of attack threat against major hotel in Nairobi.
ISIS loses more than half its fighters from US airstrikes and Taliban ground operations.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Pandemic fears send investors running as Wall Street confirms correction.
World stocks slide on signs virus outbreak is spreading.
Global stock markets suffer sixth day of losses.
Coronavirus outbreak hits arts and entertainment industries.
Some American companies are seeking to cut their reliance on China as coronavirus outbreak disrupts production, crimps revenue.
Coronavirus: China, Japan, South Korea supply chains under threat from ‘second wave’ of disruptions.
